Global labour movement statement responding to UN Sec Gen report on global migration

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres presented his third biennial report on the Global Compact for Migration to the General Assembly on 5 December 2024. The report painted a grim picture of migration governance, citing rising migrant deaths, the persistence of anti-migration rhetoric, and increasing securitisation of borders. Guterres urged member states to strengthen cooperation, improve disaggregated data, and uphold human rights in migration policies.

The global labour movement, which includes the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), issued a strong statement in response, highlighting systemic failures that exacerbate migrants' vulnerabilities. It condemned practices such as forced labour, barriers to unionisation, and inadequate protections for women and LGBTIQ+ migrants. The movement emphasised that labour migration pathways must be rights-based, gender-sensitive, and anchored in decent work principles. It also called for the ratification of international labour standards and the elimination of exploitative recruitment fees.

Labour unions worldwide urged governments to ensure social protections, living wages, and equal treatment for all migrant workers. They also advocated for integrating trade unions into migration policy design and implementation.

As the second International Migration Review Forum approaches in 2026, the global labour movement reaffirmed its commitment to advancing transformative migration governance that prioritises justice, equality, and dignity for all workers.

Read the full statement